Human Resources Management and Services at Cuyahoga Community College District

An estimated $21,439 in debt puts this program well below both the state median ($35,666) and national median ($26,536) for HR associate's degrees—a significant advantage when peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $40,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 means graduates would owe roughly half their annual salary, which is manageable territory compared to many two-year credentials.

The earnings trajectory tells an interesting story. Based on comparable HR programs nationally, first-year earnings hover around $40,000, climbing to $43,588 by year four. That's modest growth, but it reflects the reality of entry-level HR roles, which often start as coordinator or assistant positions with defined salary bands. For a two-year degree that gets students into the workforce quickly, these numbers represent stability more than dramatic upward mobility.

Here's what matters: Cuyahoga Community College delivers this credential at a price point that makes the math work. With a third of students receiving Pell grants, the program serves cost-conscious families who need credentials that don't create crushing debt. The relatively low borrowing combined with steady (if unspectacular) earnings means graduates should be able to handle their loans while building HR experience. Just understand you're investing in access to a field, not a fast track to high pay.